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by: Toshia Christal

Hello everyone, my name is Toshia Christal, I am an Oakland artist who came up with this pretty "crazy" idea to photograph women bleeding on their menstrual cycles. Even though this may seem a bit wild and obscured, it is not a joke. I have always had a close and comfortable relationship with my period, and other women on their cycles as well. I believe this process of bleeding is sacred, liberating, healthy, and a normal part of life that us women can not deny. There is no doubt in my mind that other women like myself are out there!! These are the women I seek.

I have contemplated this thought now for quite some time, I have talked my idea over with friends and family and surprisingly besides the shock factor I have been given the OK. So...this is an open call for women/Queer/Trans and any other bodies that have and or identify with a bleeding vagina or a menstrual cycle. AGES 18 AND OVER NO EXCEPTIONS. This open call at the present time is open until May 2015, but may go longer. I am seeking at least 11-15 menstruating subjects within the bay area who would be ecstatic to participate with me. This will be a safe, no judgmental, confidential shoot, that will take place at locations fitted for each individual. I have envisioned the bleeding vaginas on all white objects, sheets, clothes, towels, etc. I want to be clear THIS IS NOT A SEXUAL SHOOT, NO INTIMACY, ROLE OR SEX PLAY INVOLVED, NO XXX. This will be tasteful artistry! Professional, most importantly. No faces will be included in the photos, only vaginas (If you are a little shy but thinking of participating this may be a perk). This is about Liberation, feminism, respect, confidence, breaking barriers, having fun, being bold and free. I plan to show the completed series at a gallery to be announced. No name will be listed with the images, nor will faces. I anticipate the "subject" being the only one to know which vagina is theirs, while leaving the audience to ponder that and much more. I am very excited about this open call! If you think yourself or anyone you know would be interested please contact me at raw_christal@yahoo.com . Please check out the event onfacebook under Kutokwa na damu, all info and updates will be posted there. I would like to start shooting possibly by march, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to email me. If your bold enough feel free to tack this in a public space, post it on your facebook page, Instagram or any other social media site, to share it with a friend and spread the word. Thank you for your time and interest.l. SOMEONE IS BLEEDING RIGHT NOW AS I TYPE :)